Learning from Leipzig? Regional Development and Socio-cultural Transition

This paper describes developmental pathways of two regions in Central and Eastern Europe: Leipzig (Germany) and Petrosani (Romania). Once being strongholds of traditional industries, these regions have developed along distinctive socio-economic trajectories over the last two decades. While Leipzig has reinvented itself into a ?learning region?, Petrosani is still struggling to find its road to growth and prosperity. The paper analyses the interplay between locally bread cultures and regional learning capabilities. It argues that capacities and capabilities for innovation and learning develop out of a community-specific reservoir of traditions, values, and life-styles that surpasses phases of socio-economic transition. Consequently, while much emphasis has been put upon developing a region?s ?hardware? (e.g. infrastructure), developmental policies and strategies need to reflect the corresponding ?software?: regional culture!